Rexford recall election to be conducted June 8

The Poway City Council made it official last night: There will be a recall election held June 8 for voters to decide whether Councilwoman Betty Rexford should be removed from the seat she has held for 15 years.

Last week, the San Diego County Registrar of Voters verified that a sufficient number of signatures had been gathered on petitions calling for the election.

Last night, the council adopted a resolution setting the date of the election, which will include a list of candidates to fill the vacancy if the recall prevails.

Candidates can begin taking out campaign papers starting today. So far, six people have indicated they will seek the seat.

Rexford was asked to resign in August by the other members of the council after the settlement of a lawsuit accusing her of abusing her authority by pressuring city employees to interfere with the construction and permit process of two homes being built next to hers.

Rexford refused to resign and has denied any wrongdoing. She has said the council is using her as a scapegoat to hide the city’s failings.

Rexford’s fourth term on the council expires in November. If she is recalled, her replacement would serve only until then.